Land and water flying machine



E. J. DUNHAM LAND AND WATER FLYING MACHINE s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 8. 1919 l/VVENTOR. [R w/NJ. UNHH/L 3517.15. 2 {V08 fia ZA fro/w y E. J. DUNHAM LAND AND WATER FLYING MACHINE Filed July 8. 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 INVEN TOR O I WZTORNE E. J. DUNHAM LAND AND WATER FLYING MACHINE Filed July 8, 1919 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VE 1V TbR. [RN/NJUUNHHM- Patented Dec. 2, 1924.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ERWIN J. DUNHAM, OF FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO LAWRENCE B. SPERR-Y, OF GARDEN CITY, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK.

LAND AND WATER FLYING MACHINE.

Application filed Ju1y 8, 1919. Serial No. 309,444.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ERWIN J. DUNHAM, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Farmingdale, L. 1., in the county of Nassau and State of New. York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Land and ater Flyin Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to heavier than air flying machines and more specifically to the type commonly known as hydroaeroplanes and has for its main object to provide means whereby such craft may rise from and descend upon land as well as water.

Another object is to improve upon the method of constructing the sustaining planes of the craft making them stronger longitudinally so that a greatly reduced number of bracing or stay wires need be used.

A further object is to provide an improved strut for the planes.

Referring to the drawings wherein I have shown what I now consider to be the preferred form of my invention:

Fig. 1 is a. front elevation of a craft embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a-top View of the frame work of one of the lifting planes showing the method of construction, thereof.

Fig. 3 is a view of one of the longitudinal'beams, taken on line 3*3, Fig. 2;

Fig. at is a view of a longitudinal brace taken on line i%, Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a section of the planetaken on line 55, Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a side view of a part of the hull showing the landing gear attached thereto.

Fig. 8 is a detail of the landing gear.

Fig. 9 is a section taken on line 99, Fig.- 1.

Fig. 10 is a section taken on line 1010, Fig. 1. v

Figs. 11 and 12 are details showing the method of securing the braces to the struts and of securing the struts to the planes.

Fig. 13 is a modified cross section of one of the struts.

Fig. 14.- is a detail of the engine mounting.

Fig. 15 is a side view thereof taken on line 1515.

In the drawings the flying craft 1, is shown as comprising a boat 2 a plurality of sustaining planes 3, t, and 5 and an engine 6.

Vhile it is obvious that by placing wheels 011 a flying boat the craft will thus be able to run along the ground, the wheels would, however, so retard the passage of the boat through the water as to make it impossible to attain sufllcient speed to rise. In order toovercome this difliculty I have devised means for supporting the usual landing wheels in the proper operative position and to remove the same when not .in use to a position where they will not interfere with the operation of the craft in the Water. In this connection I desire also to remove the wheels to a position where they will offer no resistance to the passage of the craft through the air. I, therefore, prefer to remove the Wheels and associated parts from their operative positions to positions within the boat. I

The Wheels- 7 are shown mounted on an axle 8 and may be held against movement along said shaft by collars 9 and 10 fixed on the shaft (see also Fig. 8). One end of said shaft is swiveledat 11 to a pair of small plates 12 and 13 (see also Fig. 7) which plates are. in turn swivelly connected to a pair of bracket members ll and 15 at 16. Said members 14 and 15 may be braced by cross bars 17 and 18 so as to form a rigid bracket 19. The bracket is shown swivelly connected at 20 to members 21 which in turn form one leaf of a hinge secured to the boat at 23. The inner end of shaft 8 is shown as projecting into a box-like compartment 24 through a slit 25 in the side thereof and rests upwardly against a pair of bars 26 which are tied down by heavy resilient cord 27 passing therearound and around a second pair of bars 28. Bars 28 are rigidly connected to box 24 while bars 26 are loosely carried therein so that when the wheel strikes the ground elastic 27 will yield and lend resiliency in the usual manner to the landing of the machine. Suitable means, such as a collar 29 fixed on shaft 8, may serve to prevent the latter from being pulled out of box 24. A. catch pivotally secured to box 24 at 31 is shown pressed by a spring 32 into a plate 33 rigidly secured to the bottom of the boat. Pegs 34 projecting from the side of the boat may be provided to project through holes in an upwardly projecting side of box 24 for the purpose of steadying the latter when in the operative position. Secured to the outer end 36 of catch 30 is shown a cord 37 passing upwardly and through a guide bracket 38 on the side of the box. Said cord passes around a small pulley 39 on crosspiece 17 and up over pulleys 40 and 41. and then down to a position within reach of the aviator. The cord 37 may run up over a pulley 40 and down with cord 37. Any suitable means may be employed for manipulating the cords, either by pulling upon the same directly or by winding them upon a drum 42 shown in dotted lines within the boat in Fig. 1.

Presuming the wheels to be in the operative position, as shown in full lines in Fig. 6, by the turning of drum 42 to exert a pull upon cords 37 it is obvious that catch 30 will disengage member 33. Continued pulling of the cord will lift the wheel with its frame and cushion box 24, the whole turning on axis 20 until its center of gravity passes over said axis, when the whole structure will fall toward the dotted line position 14. In the meantime the axle 8 will have folded on axis 16 so as to form a more compact arrangement, as shown in said dotted line position. By now releasing cord 37 members I 21 will turn on axis 45 until the whole structure is lowered into the boat, as shown in the dotted line position 14. To place the wheels in the operative position again reel 42 may again be turned to lift the structure toward the dotted line position 14, winding rapidly at this point so that the momentum of the structure will carry its center of gravity beyond axis 20. Gravity will then unfold the parts and lower them into position where catch 30 will lock the structure rigidly to the boat.

An important advantage of the arrange ment here shown is that the fore and aft dimension of the opening 100 in the boat 2 (between points 101 and 102) is only slightly. greater than the diameter of the wheels 7, being only wide enough to admit the wheels.

In Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive I have shown an improved-method of constructing the sustaining planes. Ordinarily the cross ribs 46 of the wing frame are made rather heavy for strength. Longitudinal members 47 are comparatively frail and few in number. I prefer to make these members much stronger and, where necessary, greater in number. For this purpose the main longitudinal beams 48 and 49 may be somewhat heavier than usual. Beam 48 may be paneled out or recessed as shown at 50 between the main cross ribs 51 for the purpose of lightening the same. Several lighter longitudinal beams 52 may also be provided. These beams are shown in the form of skeleton I- beams (see Fig. 4 and cross-section in Fig. 5) being strengthened by numerous braces 53. Bracing wires 54 may be employed to add rigidness to the structure. The cross ribs 46, 51 are preferably made much lighter than is the usual practice so that the whole frame is found to be much lighter than that of planes constructed in accordance with older methods.

By constructing the planes in this manner they are so much stronger longitudinally that most of the bracing or stay wires heretofore employed may be dispensed with and a small number used as shown in Fig. 1. In this form, wire 55 secured to the boat at 56 may be secured to the outrigger beam 103 in the middle plane at 57 (see also Fig. 10). Another wire 59 may be secured to said beam at 57 and to the beam 48 in the upper plane 61 at 62. Wire 55 thus supports the middle portion of plane 58 against upward pressure, while wires 55 and 59 together support the outer end of plane 61. The lower plane 65, secured to the boat at 66, is supported at its outer points by struts 67, 67 Thus with lift wires 55 and 59 all of the planes are fully supported by my method as against the great number of wires usually employed for this purpose. Obviously this method results in considerable longitudinal compression on the middle and upper planes, but the increased longitudinal strength resulting from my method of construction prevents collapsing or buckling.

For the purpose of supporting the weight of the planes when the craft is not flying, or when it strikes ground or water upon alighting, a drop wire 68 secured to the inner end of plane 61 at 69 and to the out rigger beam 103 at 57 and a similar wire 68 between points 70 and 7 0' will support all of the planes. These wires will also support the planes when the craft is flying upside down. Obviously, each stay wire is subjected to greater strains than when a large number are used, so that ordinarily larger wires would have to be used. I prefer, however, to use two or three wires as may be necessary by placing them one behind the other as shown in Fig. 9. A covering 71 of suitable material may be placed around the several wires to form a stream line finish.

By bracing the planes in the manner herein described, it will be readily seen that the head resistance caused by the wires is greatly reduced.

Another and extremely important feature in the bracing of the planes is the manner in which the inner ends of the planes are secured to the boat. In this connection, instead of securing the engine to the craft by fastening the rigid braces 105, 106, 107, 108 and bracing wires 109, 110 directly to the engine 6, I prefer to secure them to arigid crib into which the engine sets. A front view of this crib is shown in Fig. 14 and a side View thereof in Fig. 15. In these figures a front plate 111 and a rear plate 112 are shown inter-connected by beams 118, 114 and braced by wires 115, 116. The crib is held in place by braces 105, 106, 107. 108 being connected thereto as at 105. Bracing wires 1.09, 110 being attached as at 109 and the middle plane at at 117, 118. The engine 6 is placed in the crib as shown in Fig. 141.

This method of engine mounting enables me to form a very rigid bracing arrangement for the planes as well as for the engine itself. A very much stronger bracing of the wing is secured by this method than is possible by the method of securing the wings and braces directly to the engine.

In Fig. 10 I hzWe shown a brace 73 secured to the lower end of the forward strut 74 at 7 6 and to the upper end of the rear strut 75 at 77. This brace is preferably of the same rigid nature as the struts so that it will obviously brace the wings against both forward and backward relative move ments. Preferably the struts and braces are of metallic tubing Figs. 11, 12, and 13 which may be reinforced by wood 78 in such manner as to effect the usual stream line finish. The wood may be secured to the tubing by the wrapping of tape 79 around both members.

The method of effecting the joining of the brace and struts at 76 and 77 is shown in Figs. 11 and 12. The lower end of the strut 74: for instance, is reinforced by t-hei-nsertion of a piece of tubing 80 and additional metal 81 and welding all of these parts together so as to form a pocket 82. the outside width of which is the sameas that of the strut itself as shown. in Fig. 11. The brace 73 is also reinforced by tubing 84 welded thereto and inserted in said pocket 82, holes 85 being provided for a pin 86. This forms a very strong joint without increasing the dimensions at that point. The struts are secured preferably to the wings where the heavier beams 48 and 49 are and may be secured thereto by means of a bolt or rivet 88. Preferably a metal plate 120 is provided on the beam 48 for the struts to rest on. Also the struts may be rounded on the end as shown at 121 (Figs. 11 and 12) so that a slight rolling may take place under strains without breaking bolt 88 or causing other bad effects.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have herein described it principle of operation of my invention, together with. the apparatus which I now pnsider to represent the best embodinwni "her-w of, but I desire to have it nude end that the apparatus shown only illustrat ve and that the invention can be carried out by other means. Also, .while it is designed to use the various features and elements in the combination and relations described, some of these may be altered and others omitted without interfering with the more neral results outlined, and the invention or, end to such use.

Having described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a combination water and land flying machine, a hull, sustaining pianes s ared thereto, propelling means therefor, la dir gear attached to said hull comprising folding framework movable about an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, a wheel on said framework, means for folding said framework and wheel over the top of and into said hull, and means for locking said framework and wheel in operative position without the hull.

2. In a combination water and land flying machine, a hull, sustaining planes secured thereto, propelling means therefor, landing gear attached to said hull comprising folding framework movable about an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, a wheel on said framework, means for folding said framework and wheel over the top of and into said hull, shock absorbing means for said wheel also on said framework, and means for locking said framework and wheel in operative position without the hull.

3. In a combination land and water flying machine, a hull, landing gear comprising folding framework attached to said hull, a wheel on said framework, and means for raising and folding said fran'iework and wheel over the top of said hull and then lowering .the same into the interior of said hull.

4. In a combination land and water flying machine, a hull landing gear comprising folding framework attached to said hull, a wheel on said framework, means for raising and folding said framework and wheel over the top of said hull and then lowering into the interior of said hull, and shock absorl'r ing means for said wheel also on said frame work.

5. In a flying machine, a hull, landing gear attached to said hull, means for moving said landing gear to operative position and over the top of and into said hull to inoperative position, and means for automatically locking said landing gear to the outside of said hull in operative position.

.6. In a. flying machine, a hull, landing gear attached to said hull, means for moving said landing gear to operative position and over the top of and into said hull to inoperative position, means for automatically locking said landing gear in operative position to the outside of said hull, and means operable from within said hull for rendering said locking means inoperative.

7. In a flying machine, a hull, landing gear attached thereto for movement about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to said hull, means for moving said landing gear about said axis to a point above said hull, when said gear may be lowered into said hull, and means for automatically locking said gear in ope 'ative position to the outside of said hull.

8. In a flying boat having a hull, a fold able wheel mounting attached to said hull for movement about an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, a wheel on said mounting, means for locking said mounting in operative position, and common means for rendering said locking means inoperative and moving said wheel and mounting over the top of and into said hull to an inoperative osition.

9. In a flying boat having a hull, a foldable wheel mounting attached to said hull for movement about an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, a wheel on said mounting, means for locking said mounting in operative position, and means comprising a member attached to said locking means for rendering the latter inoperative and moving said wheel and mounting over the top of and into said hull to an inoperative position.

10. In a land and water flying machine, a hull, landing gear pivoted to said hull for movement about an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, means for moving said landing gear about said axis to a position inside said hull, and means for automatically locking saidgear in operative position outside the 111111.

11. In a flying machine, a hull, landing gear attached to said hull comprising folding framework, a. wheel on. said. framework, means for moving said framework and wheel to and from operative position, and means at the wheel end of said framework for locking the latter to the exterior of said hull.

12. In a flying machine, a hull, landing gear attached to said hull comprising folding framework, a wheel on said framework, means for moving said framework and wheel to and from operative position, means at the wheel end of said framework for locking the latter to the exterior of said hull, and means operable from within said hull for rendering said locking means'inoperative.

13. In a flying machine, a hull, an arm pivoted to said hull a second arm pivoted to the first mentioned arm, a wheel carried by said second arm, means for moving said arms and said wheel with respect to said hull, and means carried by said second arm for locking said arms to said hull.

14. In a flying machine, a hull, an arm pivoted to said hull, a second arm pivoted to the first mentioned arm, a wheel carried by said second arm, means for moving said arms and said wheel with respect to said hull, a supporting member for the hull mounted on one end of said second arm and movable vertically with respect thereto, means carried. by said member for locking the latter to said hull, and resilient means within said member for connecting the latter to said. second arm.

15. In a flying machine, a hull, a frame work pivotally connected to said hull, a wheel carried by said framework, a supporting member for the hull mounted on said framework and movable vertically with respect thereto, resilient connecting means between said member and framework, means carried by said member for locking the latter to said hull, and means for moving said framework and said wheel with respect to said hull.

16. In a land and water flying machine, a hull for supporting the craft on the water, and landing gear attached to said hull comprising a pair of wheels and axles, a frame on each side of said hull hingedly supporting an axle beyond the wheel, and a member adjacent the inner end of each axle adapted to support the hull.

17 In a land and water flying machine, a

hull for supporting the craft on the water,

and landing gear attached to said hull comprising a pair of wheels and axles, a frame on each side of said hull hingedly supporting an axle beyond the wheel, and a member resiliently supported adjacent the inner end of each axle adapted to support the hull;

18. In a land and water flying machine, a hull for supporting the craft on the water, and landing gear attached to said hull comprising a pair of wheels and axles, a frame on each side of said hullhingedly sup )ort-- ing an axle beyond the wheel, each axle being adapted to support the hull adjacent its inner end, and detachable means for looking said hull and axle against lateral displacement.

19. In a flying machine, a hull, an arm pivoted to said hull for movementabout an axis extending longitudinally of said hull, a second arm pivoted to the firstmentioned arm, a wheel and axle carried by said second arm adjacent the outer end of the axle, means for moving said arms and said wheel with respect to said hull to place the wheel under or within the machine, and means adjacent the inner end of said axle for supporting the hull when the wheel is in the first named position.

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20. In a land and water flying machine a hull, landing gear, a linkage pivoted adjacent the upper edge of said hull and connecting said gear to said hull whereby said 5 linkage and gear may be swung about the pivot over the top of and into said hull.

21. In a land and water flying machine, a hull, landing gear, a folding linkage pivoted adjacent the upper edge of said hull and connecting said gear to said hull whereby said linkage may be swung about the pivot over the top of said hull and folded to position said linkage and gear within said hull.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature.

ERVIN J. DUN HAM. 

